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Public Defender Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

State of Indiana

Training Director

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

Indiana Public Defender Council About The Indiana Public Defender Council: The Indiana Public Defender Council is a state agency within the judicial branch created in 1977. The membership of the ...

State of Indiana

Training Director

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

Indiana Public Defender Council About The Indiana Public Defender Council: The Indiana Public Defender Council is a state agency within the judicial branch created in 1977. The membership of the ...

State of Indiana

Chief Child Services Attorney

Paoli, IN · On-site

$93K/yr

... and public defenders to build relationships and share information which impacts DCS cases such as statutory, appellate or policy changes. * Advise Department of Child Services staff on various ...

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All JobsPublic Defender JobsPublic Defender Jobs in Indiana

Public Defender information

See Indiana salary details

$26.6K

$102.3K

$175.6K

How much do public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender in Indiana is $102,324.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,900.00 and $127,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Public Defender, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a deep understanding of criminal law and courtroom procedures. Proficiency in legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management systems, and trial preparation tools is essential. Outstanding communication, empathy, resilience, and negotiation skills are vital for connecting with clients and advocating effectively. These skills ensure that clients receive a robust defense, uphold justice, and navigate the legal system equitably.

How to Become a Public Defender

Public defenders must be licensed to practice law by their state bar. To work as a public defender, complete your bachelor’s degree, take the LSAT exam, and attend law school to earn a J.D. degree. Focus your studies on criminal defense law, and hone your research skills. During your law school summers take internships in public defender offices. You can also intern in a prosecutor’s office or a public interest firm to gain experience for a career as a public defender. After you complete law school you must pass your state’s bar exam. Most states also require legal professionals to pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE). Once you are licensed to practice law in your state, you can apply to public defender offices.

What is a Public Defender?

A Public Defender is a lawyer appointed by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire a private attorney in criminal cases. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that all defendants receive fair legal representation, regardless of their financial status. Public Defenders work to protect the rights of their clients, provide legal advice, and represent them in court. They handle a variety of cases, from minor offenses to serious felonies, and are crucial in upholding the justice system's commitment to due process.

What are some common challenges faced by public defenders in their daily work?

Public defenders often manage large caseloads and tight deadlines, which can make it challenging to dedicate ample time to each client. They frequently work with clients who may have limited trust in the legal system or face complex social and personal issues. Collaboration with investigators, social workers, and other attorneys is essential for gathering evidence and building strong defenses. Despite these challenges, public defenders play a crucial role in ensuring fair representation and upholding justice for those who cannot afford private counsel.

What is the difference between Public Defender vs Criminal Defense Attorney?

AspectPublic DefenderCriminal Defense Attorney
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license, often government employmentLaw degree, bar license, private practice or firm affiliation
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, courtrooms, public service settingsPrivate law firms, solo practices, or corporate offices
EmployerGovernment agencies or public defender officesPrivate clients or law firms
Common UsageRepresent indigent defendants in criminal casesRepresent clients in criminal cases, including those who can afford private counsel

Public defenders and criminal defense attorneys both handle criminal cases, but public defenders work for government agencies representing indigent clients, while criminal defense attorneys are private practitioners representing paying clients. The roles overlap in legal credentials and courtroom work but differ mainly in employment setting and client base.

More about Public Defender jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Defender jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Public Defender jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Public Defender jobs in Indiana? For Public Defender jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Defender jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Public Defender jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Public Defender jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Public Defender job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Public Defender jobs in IN? For Public Defender jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 69% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,324 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

CHINS Public Defender- Independent Contractor

allencounty

Fort Wayne, IN

Other

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

THIS IS AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR POSTING AND IS NOT AN ALLEN COUNTY GOVERNMENT OR ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE EMPLOYEE

The CHINS (Children in Need of Services) Public Defender represents indigent parents in the Allen County Superior Court Family Division, in CHINS Cases, as mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the Indiana Constitution and Indiana state law. This position is a contract position.

Hours vary; 37.5 hours/week

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Works directly with client and maintains regular contact with clients through correspondence, phone calls, and in person meetings, while upholding ethical duties of loyalty and confidentiality.
  • Represents defendant by attending Facilitation and advising client of the benefits, possible outcomes and results of admission or stipulation, versus a Fact-Finding trial.
  • Negotiates and works with opposing counsel, Guardian ad Litem, service providers and court personnel to work towards successful resolution of the CHINS case.
  • Presents at court on dates when cases are assigned, representing the client while maintaining concern for the best interest of the child and overall permanency.
  • Attends family team meetings and service provider meetings to represent the best interest of the client.
Job Requirements:

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law
  • Valid Indiana license to practice law
  • Completed the six hours of training in CHINS/TPR practice in a course approved by the Public Defender Commission
  • At least 2 years of progressively responsible experience as an attorney, in litigation, motion practice and defense in civil cases and/or other public defender experience with knowledge of trial procedure and local rules
  • Have litigated at least one TPR (Termination of Parental Rights) to completion as lead or co-counsel and/or have more than one year of experience in TPR litigation
  • Knowledge and familiarity with local rules and court procedures related to CHINS (Children in Need of Services ) cases
  • Thorough understanding of the underlying law in Title 31, specifically those sections dealing with CHINS (Children in Need of Services) and primarily found in I.C. 31-34-1-1 et seq.
  • Understanding of the unique quality of CHINS law
  • Excellent written and communication skills
  • Ability to handle multiple priorities and a large volume of work

LICENSING: 
Valid Indiana license to practice law
Completed the six hours of training in CHINS (Children in Need of Services)/TPR (Termination of Parental Rights) practice in a course approved by the Public Defender Commission

Apply